12 Model Train Layouts That Took Over a Basement, Like a Father-in-Law’s 20-Year Train Room

“Welcome to Glendower, a huge model railway layout, created over three decades in a basement in the UK. It’s of incredible quality with many model train formations running throughout.”

“My grandfather’s HO layout (the layout that got me into the hobby!)”

When I was a kid, my grandpa would take me up camping at Cajon Pass and the Tehachapi Loop. He loves the Union Pacific (or as he calls it, “Uncle Pete”), whereas when I was a kid I was always a fan of Santa Fe (“Santa Flush”). He and I (mostly him and my uncle, actually — I was like 5 years old and not very helpful) built a model railroad together in his garage.

At first it was just making the trains go round and round, trying to convince me not to let the trains hit each other (it’s basically a dogbone layout, where ~4 trains are all chasing each other). As I grew older, I would use the yard on the upper level to create and break up trains on the layout. But this is the layout that got me inspired to build my own, and I have my grandfather to thank for getting me into the hobby!

It is a bit tight — especially along the walls. The layout grew and grew until it finally ran out of space. When I was younger, it was always my job to squeeze back there and fix any derailments, haha.

“Train room/layout progress”

I’ve been hard at work on my train room and layout adding a display case on the wall and a whole new industrial section respectively. I’m not sure what’s next, but I’m always looking for more projects.

My layout originally started as a shelf layout along the wall of my old house. So instead of starting from scratch in a larger space, I decided to continue adding on section by section. It kind of worked out in the sense that I don’t have to do as much scenery, and I’m not great at scenic work lol.

Mostly unfinished basement so I suppose I could always make another room with a tunnel connecting them

“At my in laws for the holidays...this is my FIL’s train room.”

“30 year hobby and this is a 20 year layout”

He has pop ups throughout but according to him those trains are strictly display and do not get run.

I asked his permission to marry his daughter in that room so I go down there with him over the holidays every year when we are in town. Trains aren’t my thing but I dig his passion.

“My wall train in action. This is a HO scale train running through my house. you need a train in your house also!”

“Model train build, with anti-cat cover”

It is ‘Z’ scale. Some of the buildings are actually ’N’ scale. The size of the table is 4’ x 5′

I’ve been working on it on and off for about 10 years. I do not have a track plan.

Started with a basic layout with a rough idea of what I wanted to see. The concept was to have as many tunnels and bridges as possible with enough elevation for the cable car.

I also wanted to portray various seasons since I could not decide on just one. It progress from summer to fall and winter as the elevation increases.

After the inital layout was built, I then modified and added to it in small increments. These were of course dictated by what the original layout would allow and within the parameters of the available real estate and size of the table.

“A Year of Progress on the Model Railway Layout”

Top picture taken early January this year, and the bottom was taken today! (New Years Eve 2024)

I’m really proud of it. For the tracks on the hills I used chicken wire either side as a framework for the hillsides. Then I just slapped some papier-mâché over the top of it with a layer of plaster bandage! Nice and straightforward

“Showing off my model railroad I built my house around.”

“My dad’s master closet has been turned into a train room. He has worked on this for years”

“What a difference a year makes”

Outbuilding that I had built specially built for this

I have blackout roll up blinds. I can push one button and raise/lower all of them

The extra board is a a bench work mock up to make sure I like the height of the second level

For years, that all I could do is dream. It’s kinda surreal to see it come to life finally

“Hidden away in basements, garages and spare bedrooms all across the nation are amazing layouts built by very talented master craftsmen that hardly no one gets to see. Here is one that was brought to my attention while at the train show in Timonium last month. A long time subscriber invited me to see his basement layout that he has been working on for over 25 years.”

“Me and My 3 yr old Grandson’s First Layout”

Should have looked into N Scale 🤣 so much more I want to do but HO takes up too much space.

Not a Great GrandDad just yet 🤣